Four-Ingredient Vegan Banana Bliss Muffins: Your Guilt-Free Treat!
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Ever dreamt of a muffin that's not only incredibly delicious but also unbelievably easy to make and good for you? Well, pinch yourselves because those dreams are about to come true! I'm thrilled to share my latest obsession: the four-ingredient vegan banana muffin. Yes, you heard that right – just four ingredients!
Simplicity Meets Deliciousness
These aren’t your average muffins. They are light, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and contain no oil or butter! It all began when I was experimenting with a batch of vegan cookies and accidentally created these magnificent muffins instead. Sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you least expect them, right?
What Makes These Muffins So Special?
- Ridiculously Easy: Whether you're a kitchen novice or a baking pro, this recipe is so simple that anyone can whip it up in minutes, using either a bowl and fork or a food processor.
- Health-Conscious: These muffins are gluten-free, oil-free, and refined sugar-free, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a nutritious treat.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Despite being so healthy, they don't compromise on texture – each bite is light, fluffy and oh-so-satisfying.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only four key ingredients, this recipe is a lifesaver for those days when you want something quick and delicious without too much fuss.
The Star Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Spotty bananas add the perfect sweetness and moisture. Remember, precise measurements using kitchen scales are key when it comes to baking!
- Maple Syrup: I prefer maple syrup for its flavour, but any neutral sweetener will work. Agave or brown rice syrup will do the trick.
- Nut/Seed Butter: Almond butter is my go-to, but any nut or seed butter will work. Make sure it's the drippy kind – you need that natural oil for the best consistency.
- Gluten-Free Flour: A good quality gluten-free mix that has a good dose of starches makes these muffins delightfully light and fluffy.
How to Make These Magic Muffins
By Hand:
- Mash the ripe bananas well using a fork in a bowl.
- Add the maple syrup and almond butter, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Next, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold in with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. (The mixture will be quite runny - don't worry!) .
Food Processor Method:
- Blend bananas in a food processor until completely smooth.
- Add the maple syrup and nut butter and blend again until smooth.
- Finally, add the dry ingredients and blend until just combined. Don't overmix!
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F) and line a muffin tray with paper muffin cases.
- Divide the batter evenly between 10-12 muffin cups (10 for taller muffins, 12 for smaller ones).
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Don't be tempted to bite in until they are cold!
Tips and Tricks
- Frozen Bananas: If using frozen (and defrosted) bananas, extend the baking time a little as they tend to be wetter.
- Variety: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for extra flavour, or sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds for a festive finish.
- Experiment: Don't have almond butter? Try peanut, sunflower, or cashew butter instead!
Why You'll Love These
These muffins are not just a treat; they are a testament to how simple, healthy ingredients can create something truly remarkable. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a healthy dessert. With just four ingredients, you’ll have warm, fluffy muffins that everyone will love, and you can feel good about eating them!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those spotty bananas, gather your ingredients, and let's get baking! Share your creations with me and lets spread the joy of healthy delicious and simple food!
Happy Baking,
Bella xx